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| INTRODUCTION TO SPRINGS | |
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| VIDEO - SPRINGS AND THEIR USES | |
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Springs are available in
a large variety of shapes and sizes. Almost everyone will have either used
a springboard at a swimming pool to dive into the water. The springboard
may be made from laminated wood (layers of wood glued together) or be a
more modern glass fibre type material. The result is the same - the diver
uses his/her weight to spring off the board into the air. Springs have a very wide range of uses and it is difficult think of a mechanical device without one or more of them. |
| THE PROPERTIES OF SPRINGS Springs absorb sudden shocks and vibrations (car suspension). Springs are used to store energy (wind-up toys and clock mechanisms). They are an important method of controlling mechanical movement (door handles and folding mechanisms). They are designed to return to their original size, after deformation. |
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| Springs perform different actions and some examples are seen below. Some restrict stretching whilst others restrict compression. | |
| EXTENSION SPRING - RESISTING STRETCHING | |
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| SPIRAL SPRING RESISTING COMPRESSION | |
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| COMPRESSION AND CONE SPRINGS RESISTING COMPRESSION | |
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| TORSION SPRING RESISTING ROTATION | |
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| Springs perform different actions and some examples are seen below. Some restrict stretching whilst others restrict compression. | |
| Springs are used in engines, motors, watches, clocks, door handles, locks, pens etc... Choose a simple mechanism and dismantle it. Study how any springs work and draw a diagram to represent the movement involved (add explanatory notes). | |
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| List three materials that possess the property of ‘spring’ and describe a practical application (example - a plastic ruler manufactured from polyethylene). | |
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| SUMMARY - MAIN TYPES OF SPRING | |
| Study the three main types of spring shown below. Using the internet research each type. Describe and sketch a practical application of each type. | |
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